Genre fiction
Genre fiction, also known as formula fiction[1] or popular fiction, is a term used in the book-trade for fictional works written with the intent of fitting into a specific literary genre in order to appeal to readers and fans already familiar with that genre.[2]
"Pop fiction" redirects here. For television series, see Pop Fiction (TV series).
The main genres are crime, fantasy, romance, science fiction and horror—as well as perhaps Western, inspirational and historical fiction.
Slipstream genre is sometimes thought to be in between genre and non-genre fiction.[3]
Genre and the marketing of fiction[edit]
In the publishing industry the term "category fiction" is often used as a synonym for genre fiction, with the categories serving as the familiar shelf headings within the fiction section of a bookstore, such as Western or mystery.
Some authors known for literary fiction have written genre novels under pseudonyms, while others have employed genre elements in literary fiction.[4][5][6]
Romance fiction had an estimated $1.375 billion share in the US book market in 2007. Religion/inspirational literature followed with $819 million, science fiction/fantasy with $700 million, mystery with $650 million and classic literary fiction with $466 million.[7]
Critical reception and controversies[edit]
Horror novelist Stephen King was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters in 2003,[26] polarizing opinions and leading to debate on genre fiction's literary merit. Negative comments about genre fiction have sparked responses from Time,[27] Salon,[28] the Atlantic,[29] and the Los Angeles Review of Books.[30] Nobel laureate Doris Lessing described science fiction as "some of the best social fiction of our time", and called Greg Bear, author of Blood Music, "a great writer".[31]
In the 2000s, the BBC defended itself against charges that it discussed genre fiction with a "sneering derogatory tone".[32] The Man Booker Prize[33] and British Book Awards[34] have been criticized for ignoring genre fiction in their selection process.
Some critics have claimed that reading romance and suspense thrillers makes readers more sensitive, because these novels focus on interpersonal relationships.[35]
The Reading List[edit]
The "Reading list", compiled by the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association is an annual list of the best genre books for the adult reader.[44] Eight genres are awarded: adrenaline titles (suspense, thrillers, and action adventure), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and relationship fiction.[45]
Most genres of fiction may also be segmented by the age of the intended reader: